A car subscriptionshould make mobility easier - not more complicated. Still, questions often comeup before you start: How does the approval work? What’s included? What happens in case of damage or at return?
With Carrivo, you get fixed terms, clear pricing and a transparent process. In this guide, we walk you through the seven key things to know before booking - simple, practical and without hidden surprises.
1. A Fully Digital Start
Your car subscription starts completely online. Choose your vehicle, your mileage package and a fixed term - usually 12 or 24 months - and enter your details step by step in a guided digital process.
Instead of rigid credit scoring, we use Open Banking to check in real time whether the monthly payment fits your current budget. This means no payslips or documents to upload. The connection is used solely for the financial check - no payment is taken during the booking process.
You’ll usually receive a decision within 48 hours (weekdays).
Tip: Keep your driving licence and online banking login details ready to speed things up.
2. The Monthly Rate
With a car subscription, your monthly price covers everything that regularly comes with running a car, including:
- Comprehensive cover (Vollkaskoschutz) limited to agreed excess
- Maintenance and inspections
- Vehicle tax
- Registration
- Seasonal tyres
- Vehicle usage
You only payvariable costs such as fuel or charging, tolls and operating fluids (e.g.screen wash).
A one-off setup feeat the start covers logistics and vehicle preparation. All fixed costs are clearly shown upfront, so you can plan with confidence.
3. The Handover Protocol
Vehicles can be collected from one of our logistics partner locations or conveniently delivered to your home (for business customers, to the company’s registered office or a branch location).
At the appointment, you perform a vehicle inspection together with the staff. This follows a standardized checklist regarding the condition of the exterior, interior, tyres, and mileage.
Immediately after this check, you receive a digital handover protocol via email. This document records the condition of the vehicle at the start of the contract. It serves as the reference point for the return of the vehicle. This ensures the assessment of the vehicle’s condition is consistent at both the start and the end of the term.
4. Maintenance and Term Duration
During your subscription, Carrivo coordinates any necessary workshop appointments and organises roadside support through the manufacturer’s assistance and protection cover. In most situations, help is arranged quickly and at no extra cost - from getting you back on the road to towing if needed. Costs resulting from actual damage (e.g. a replacement tyre) or self-inflicted issues such as misfuelling are not included.
The contract has a fixed duration (e.g., 12, 18, or 24 months). It is not possible to swap vehicles during an ongoing contract. The contract ends automatically at the end of the selected term; no active cancellation is required. To continue driving, you select a new vehicle for a new term.
5. A Return Process Without Surprises
The return follows the same structured process as the handover. Simply book your appointment online and return the vehicle to one of our logistics partners - or have it conveniently picked up at your home (for business customers, from the company’s registered office or a branch location).
The same standards apply as at the start - no new rules at the end. Normal wear is accepted, and only actual damage is charged. Our damage catalogue serves as a clear guide and is available online at any time, so you know exactly what to expect from day one - full transparency.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I change the vehicle during the contract term?
A: You can select a new vehicle once the current fixed term has expired.
Q: What happens if I exceed the included kilometers?
A: A fixed price per additional kilometre is defined in your contract and settled at the end of the subscription term. If you need more flexibility, you can add extra mileage packages during your subscription, subject to availability.
Q: Is insurance included?
A: Our vehicles are insured, and your monthly payment includes comprehensive coverage. This means your liability is limited to the agreed deductible.
Q: What happens in the event of damage?
A: Damage is assessed based on the vehicle’s actual condition. The assessment takes into account the documentation at handover and return and, where necessary, an independent expert report. A deductible applies per claim. You may book optional packages to reduce this deductible.
7. Summary
The car subscription model is defined by the following characteristics:
- Planable fixed terms (12/18/24 months)
- One monthly rate covering fixed vehicle costs
- Digital processing
- Automatic contract termination
- Standardised return criteria
The focus is on easy access to mobility and full cost transparency rather than ownership or long-term commitments.
Next Steps
Carrivo offers a digital, clearly defined mobility solution.
To understand the specific details of the process, view the guide on how the car subscription works.
Find out more about car subscription
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